Device and method for monitoring the state of the sub-structure of fixed tracks

ABSTRACT

Device for monitoring the state of the substructure of fixed tracks, especially in the transition region of substructure supporting plates, measuring bolts, which, in vertical recesses, pass freely through the track plate above, being fastened at the ends of the substructure plates, which are to be monitored.

The invention relates to a device and a method for monitoring the stateof the substructure of fixed tracks, especially in the transition regionof substructure supporting plates.

Constant monitoring of the support conditions of fixed tracks isrequired for evaluating the stresses on the fixed track system and fordetermining possible deviations of specified geometries in the area ofmassive substructures, for example, of bridges or supports. Inparticular, the transitions between the support plate elements,functioning as substructure of the fixed track, are regarded as criticalsites in this connection. Track transitions at constructional work, suchas bridges and tunnels, are further points at which monitoringprocedures should be concentrated.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device and amethod for achieving simple monitoring of the state of the substructureespecially in these critical transition regions so that, for example, abreaking away of the edges of the substructure plates can be recognizedin good time and, if necessary, repairs be made.

Pursuant to the invention, this objective is accomplished owing to thefact that measuring bolts, which protrude beyond the track plate and, invertical recesses, pass freely through the track plate above, arefastened at the ends of the substructure plates, which are to bemonitored.

The measuring bolts may be introduced into the substructure plate beforethe track plate is mounted or also be installed in the substructureplate through subsequently provided boreholes after the fixed track isfinished.

Monitoring rides with measuring vehicles, which are equipped with alaser scanning device for determining the height offset of the measuringbolts, are employed to monitor the substructure state of a fixed trackwith such a device.

If it is ensured from the very start that all measuring bolts protrudeprecisely by a specified amount beyond the track plate, each deviationin the height of the measuring bolt from this nominal height can be usedas an absolute criterion for a change in the state of the substructureplate. However, since such a possibility can hardly be adhered to inpractice, the height offset of each measuring bolt from a precedingmeasurement is used for monitoring rides and the change in height Δh ofthe substructure plate in comparison to the fixed track plate isdetermined separately for each measuring bolt.

Further advantages, distinguishing features and details of the inventionarise out of the following description of an example, as well as fromthe drawing, in which

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic section through a fixed track with discretesubstructure plates, similar to those which occur particularly in thetransition region at constructional work, such as bridges and tunnels,and

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged section II in the region of a measurement bolt.

FIG. 1 shows a substructure supporting plate 1, on which a fixed trackplate 2 is mounted, which, in turn, carries the continuous rails 3.

In order to be able to monitor the critical transition region betweentwo track supporting plates 1, especially in the region of the tracktransitions at constructional work, such as bridges and tunnels, or atother transitions, as easily as possible, measuring bolts 6 fastened atthe ends 4, 5 of the supporting plates 1. In turn, the measuring bolts 6pass freely through the track plate 2 above in vertical recesses 7 andprotrude beyond the fixed track plate preferably by a small amount. Theheight of the tip of each measuring bolt 7 can be determined very easilyduring monitoring rides with the help of a laser measuring system.Preferably, any height change in the substructure plate 1 can beascertained very easily preferably by determining the change in heightAh from a previous measurement.

The measuring bolt 6 can be installed in the substructure plate 1 beforethe track plate 2 is mounted as well as after the fixed track isfinished, in which case a borehole 7 is subsequently produced in thesubstrate plate 1.

1. Device for monitoring the state of the substructure of fixed tracks,comprising a track plate on a substructure plate, vertical recesses inthe track plate, and measuring elements which pass freely through saidrecesses and which are fastened to said substructure plate.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the measuring elements protrude beyond thetrack plate by a precisely specified amount.
 3. The device of claim 1,wherein the measuring devices are provided on the substructure platebefore the track plate is mounted on the substructure plate.
 4. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the track plate is installed on thesubstructure plate before the recesses are formed in the track plate andbefore the measuring elements are fastened to the substructure plate. 5.(canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. A method for monitoring the state ofsubstructure plates in which track plates are disposed on thesubstructure plates, comprising providing vertical recesses in saidtrack plates connecting measuring elements on said substructure plates,said recesses and said measuring elements being positioned such thatsaid connecting elements pass freely through said recesses and protrudefrom said recesses by a protruding length, and measuring said protrudinglength to thereby monitor the state of the substructure of the fixedtracks.
 8. A method according to claim 7 comprising measuring saidprotruding length at different times, comparing the protruding lengthwhich have been measured at different times, and utilizing said comparedprotruding lengths to monitor the state of the substructure of the fixedtracks.
 9. A method according to claim 8, wherein said measuring of saidprotruding length is made by laser scanning.
 10. A method according toclaim 8 wherein said measuring of said protruding lengths comprisesutilizing a measuring vehicle, said measuring of said protruding lengthsfurther comprising height-detection device on said vehicle.
 11. A methodaccording to claim 10, wherein said vehicle travels on said tracks.